Divided We Fall

America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation

De: David French

Narrado por: Sean Patrick Hopkins

David French warns of the potential dangers to the country—and the world—if we don’t summon the courage to reconcile our political differences.

Two decades into the 21st Century, the U.S. is less united than at any time in our history since the Civil War. We are more diverse in our beliefs and culture than ever before. But red and blue states, secular and religious groups, liberal and conservative idealists, and Republican and Democratic representatives all have one thing in common: each believes their distinct cultures and liberties are being threatened by an escalating violent opposition. This polarized tribalism, espoused by the loudest, angriest fringe extremists on both the left and the right, dismisses dialogue as appeasement; if left unchecked, it could very well lead to secession.

An engaging mix of cutting edge research and fair-minded analysis, Divided We Fall is an unblinking look at the true dimensions and dangers of this widening ideological gap, and what could happen if we don't take steps toward bridging it. French reveals chilling, plausible scenarios of how the United States could fracture into regions that will not only weaken the country but destabilize the world.

But our future is not written in stone. By implementing James Madison’s vision of pluralism—that all people have the right to form communities representing their personal values—we can prevent oppressive factions from seizing absolute power and instead maintain everyone’s beliefs and identities across all fifty states.

Reestablishing national unity will require the bravery to commit ourselves to embracing qualities of kindness, decency, and grace towards those we disagree with ideologically. French calls on all of us to demonstrate true tolerance so we can heal the American divide. If we want to remain united, we must learn to stand together again.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

“In his admirably measured book Divided We Fall, French convincingly argues that polarization is putting America on a perilous path to disunion.” -- New York Times

A call to all bridge builders

Thought provoking, well written with apt historical reminders and cases on both sides. Well positioned biblical principles illumine the human actions and virtues required to move forward. May this piece encourage and empower those who are looking to be bridge builders and healers where there is division and deep wounds in America.

Great ideas, good performance

This book made a compelling case for the argument to take the United States’ issues with polarization seriously. I love that it was anchored in history — I learned a bunch about the lead-up to the Civil War, for instance — and I also loved that it called out issues with both conservative and liberal divisiveness. The second section, which actually paints fictional scenarios of secession in the not too distant future, was fascinating. My only complaint is that David French wasn’t able to narrate the whole book; the introduction and conclusion really came alive when read by the person who wrote them. That said, Sean Patrick Hopkins’ reading was excellent—he conveyed the ideas clearly and made the book very easy to listen to.

Just listen to this book

Well written and the voice acted is fine. But more important, this is an important book. Lots of writers are publishing ideas about how to break free of our polarization trap. This book dose it without the usual sneering straw man analysis (I’m a little left and he’s clearly right, but I found his writing fair). Even if you disagree with the conclusion, the ideas along the way should be part of our national dialogue. If you’re politically minded, just listen to this book.

With the results of 2020 I hope that both Republicans and Democrats will read this

Unlike most books on the subject the author gives a solution that might work but only if both sides want it to work before America’s inevitable secession crisis. What people don’t realize is we are having a series of micro-secession crises, with Fox News, and various social media p

Interesting listen

Overall a good book. What I'm not a fan of is the religiosity. He comes at things from the perspective of an evangelical and quotes the Bible as if everyone believes the Bible. I can see some value to federalism that I didn't before, unless the state's rights means limiting the rights of marginalized people and women (i.e. I wholeheartedly disagree that states should be able to legislate discrimination of LGBTQ people or censor history). He thinks he is partyless but he is definitely Republican. The whole time I was listening I was curious what he would say about Roe being overturned. It doesn't seem he predicted that. He thinks embryos are babies so I'm sure he's happy, but other topics discussed in the book would suggest he would understand how radical a position this is and could lead to further division within the country.